*1.2. Objective and Contribution*

Based on the abovementioned state of research, in this paper, the Yellow River Basin was taken as the study area of spatial conflict of PLES, and the CA–Markov model was used to predict the future land-use pattern of the basin (until 2025). On account of the multifunctionality and composite nature of land use, four types of PLES were classified and analyzed. Using the grid as the basic evaluation unit and the 29 tertiary water resource divisions in the Yellow River Basin as the basic study unit for spatial conflicts, the spatial conflict of the PLES measurement model was constructed by adopting the landscape ecological index to evaluate the current and future spatial patterns of the spatial conflicts (until 2025), providing a basis for mitigating the spatial conflicts and optimizing the spatial development and protection pattern. It also provides a scientific reference to support and serve the major national strategies for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin and helps to achieve sustainable development in relation to the economic, social, and ecological dimensions of the environment.
